Recent content by c barrett

In my older hull I get about a half cup of water in the hull after a full day of sailing in moderate to heavy air. With no port on the deck it never seems to dry out as I can stick my little pinky finger in the hole and feel a small bit of water in there. The water doesn't drain out because...

Nobody had any advice as to where to locate the gudgeon? Oh well, I'll just line it up by eye.... I'll let you know how that works. Chris

I am converting an old sunfish to the newer rudder hardware. Is there a recommended position of the gudgeon plate? Should I just assure it's centered (top to bottom) on the stern bulkhead? Is there a critical clearance or measurement that must be made to assure proper operation of the rudder...

I am reqiring an old dilly trailer using West Marine's light kit. The lights are LED and came with wire harness of extra length. The vendor's idea is to install the lights onto the trailer frame then pull wires to length, cut and connect using wire nuts. For the rear brake lights, I am...

I am reqiring an old dilly trailer using West Marine's light kit. The lights are LED and came with wire harness of extra length. The vendor's idea is to install the lights onto the trailer frame then pull wires to length, cut and connect using wire nuts. For the rear brake lights, I am...

Sorry, that's f-a-b-r-i-c-a-t-e.

I would like to see a pic of the bow handle you fabroicate.

I have a pre-1972 Sunfish. I am sorry to those of you who have gone over this in times past but I need to be sure before spending the money. SO here goes... I am going to convert to the new rudder design. Do I understand correctly that I can't use the old wooden blade? Must I buy the...

Can someone point me in the direction of how to reinforce the rudder blade w / dowels or steel rods? Thanks in advance, Chris

Thanks for the info on 3M4200. I did not want to use something that holds like epoxy, just want to keep water out of the hull by sealing the deck hardware / deck interface.

So what brand & part number Urethane caulk is preferred? A search of west marine produces no urethane caulk product(s).

I thought marine grade silicone caulk was what people are using on their deck fittings. I guess I'm wrong. IS 3M5200 the preferred caulk / sealant for use around all the screw holes in the deck? What about the inspection port? What are all of the experinced sunfish sailors / repairers using?

OK. Thanks LQT420, the layline site explains alot. So, is there a best choice (stay w / steel plug hardware or retrofit to plastic type drain plug assy)?

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking is the best solution for the bow handle; fill the existing holes with epoxy then move the new handle aft about 1/4 inch, drill new holes being sure the holes go into the wood backing block under the deck then caulk & fasten the handle to deck with countersunk SS...

OK. This helps me. My intent is not to race just to get the boat on the water and sail & teach my daughter (age 10). Here's what I've done so far: Cut hole for deck plates in stern (4"), center(6") and forward (4"). Dried out hull interior & removed old expanding foam. Poured in new...